Molot Vepr-12

Semi-Automatic Shotgun [ 2003 ]

Introduced in 2003, the Molot Vepr-12 is a Russian-originated semi-automatic shotgun available in four major variants.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 12/18/2016 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

The semi-automatic shotgun has been around for over one-hundred years but has never really help a firm foothold in military services of the world. There is growing interest in the style of close assault weapon today and several global players have risen to meet the demand for a heavy-minded repeat-fire system that goes beyond the capabilities of traditional pump-slide action designs. The Vepr-12 is a Russian-originated semi-automatic shotgun offered by Molot Oruzhie Limited and is based on the tried-and-true Kalashnokov pattern while being influenced heavily by the successful RPK series of machine guns (detailed elsewhere on this site). Introduced in 2003, the Vepr-12 serves with Russia and is available in several variants to suit military and civilian market demand. Greek special police have also taken up the type.

Externally, the Vepr-12 clearly showcases its Kalashnikov-based roots through its rectangular receiver design, over-barrel gas cylinder mounting and support for curved detachable magazines. Sections of Picatinny rail are seen over the receiver and at the gas cylinder allowing for the fitting of various tactical accessories. The barrel assembly protrudes a distance ahead of the gas cylinder and is capped by a unique, multi-slotted brake. The shoulder stock is adjustable to suit operator need and collapsible for a more compact footprint. The pistol grip and trigger unit are positioned in their traditional place along the underside of the receiver with the magazine well found just ahead. Operational controls are found within easy reach of the trigger area.

Internally the Vepr-12 follows the Kalashnikov pattern gas-operated system with rotating bolt function. This gives reliable service even under the most extreme of battlefield abuses. The weapon is chambered for the 18.5x70mm (12 gauge) shell and also supports firing of 12 Gauge Magnum rounds. Feeding is by way of 2-, 4-, 5-, 8-, 10- or 12-round detachable box magazines or a 20-/25-round detachable ammunition drum with engagement ranges listed out to 100 meters. Sighting is provided through a tangent-based arrangement. Overall weight is 4.5 kilograms. Measurements include an overall length of 1,227mm (867mm with stock folded).

There are two major forms of the Vepr-12 headlining several variants within these marks: the VPO-205, with its side-folding skeletal stock, and the VPO-206, this model series with an M4-style collapsible slide stock.

Variants of the VPO-205 line include the base VPO-205-00 model with 16.92" barrel length and optional muzzle brake. The VPO -205-01 is a sport model with 20.4" barrel and fixed muzzle brake. The VPO -205-02 is a competition model with 26.77" long barrel and variable chokes. The VPO -205-03 is a dedicated military service mark with full-automatic fire capability and shortened 12" barrel assembly (optional muzzle brake). It also features either a fixed stock of folding stock and sports Picatinny rail sections over the receiver, along the sides of the forend and under the barrel. The VPO -205-00-CN is another sporting model.

The VPO-206 family includes the base VPO-206-00 with 16.92" barrel and optional muzzle brake, the sporting-minded VPO-206-01 with its 20.4" barrel and fixed muzzle brake, and the VPO-206-02 competition model with 26.77" long barrel and variable choke fits.©MilitaryFactory.com

Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications

Molot Oruzhie Limited / Izhmash - Russia
Manufacturer(s)

Greece; Russia
Operators

2003
Service Year

Russia
National Origin

CLOSE SUPPORT
Extreme close quarters use; trench-clearing; doorbuster; security.

1,227 mm
(48.31 inches)
Overall Length

10.03 lb
(4.55 kg)
Empty Weight

Semi-Automatic
Action

SEMI-AUTOMATIC
One shot per trigger pull; self-loading or auto-loading action aided by internal mechanism; trigger management (and initial cocking) typically required by the operator; subsequent shots are aided by the unlocked / moving bolt.

12 Gauge
Caliber(s)
May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

2-, 4-, 5-, 8-, 10- or 12-round detachable box magazines.
Rounds

Iron (Tangent)
Sights

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

330 feet
(101 meters | 110 yards)
Max Effective Range

Vepr-12 - Base Series Name

Military lapel ribbon for the American Civil War

Military lapel ribbon for pioneering aircraft

Military lapel ribbon for the Korean War

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Military lapel ribbon for the Vietnam War

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 2

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Chart Military Ranks DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2023 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2023 (20yrs)

Infantry Small Arms / The Warfighter

Molot Vepr-12

Semi-Automatic Shotgun [ 2003 ]

Introduced in 2003, the Molot Vepr-12 is a Russian-originated semi-automatic shotgun available in four major variants.

Specifications